Motorists: 60p to park or £70 fine

A warning has been issued to motorists in Boston that time is running out for those who park without thinking.

Parking where they shouldn't from Monday, December 3, could be expensive when new enforcement powers swing into operation.

The Department of Transport has now confirmed that responsibility for on-street parking enforcement in Boston has passed to Lincolnshire County Council.

yellow - too late, you've been nicked and it could cost you up to £70.

Mock parking "fines" will be issued to vehicles illegally parked for a two-week warning period before the new get-tough stance begins on December 3.

Members of Boston Borough Council's Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (October 10) were anxious that, after such a long period of little enforcement that motorists would not be caught unawares.

Cllr Mike Gilbert said there were some streets in town where people had parked "delinquently" for four or five years. Cabinet members wanted residents parking in on-street controlled areas where there has been a more relaxed approach to enforcement over the past few years to have adequate warning of the changes ahead.

out for these: Blue - your pre-December 3 warning. Helpful information about where to park legally is available from the borough council

Cllr Derek Richmond, portfolio holder for car parks, explained: "On-street parking includes all public areas which are not council-run car parks. This includes areas outside of the marked bays in the Market Place where there has been a degree of careless and inconsiderate parking.

"For the sake of a 60p parking ticket you could get a ticket of a very different kind, costing you up to £70. It won't be worth taking the risk."

He will be the borough council's representative on a new joint committee which will appoint an independent panel to hear appeals against parking fines where motorists are not satisfied with an initial appeal ruling made by the borough council. Cllr Stephen Woodliffe, portfolio holder for regulatory services, will be Cllr Richmond's substitute.

The county council's executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr William Webb, said: "Taking on these new parking enforcement powers means we can do more to keep people moving safely on the roads, reducing congestion from inconsiderate parking, and supporting businesses with parking bays outside.

"We are delighted at the encouraging comments people have been making and hope this move will make a real difference to their journeys and mean they can visit local shops with ease.

"We've been raising awareness for some time, so that people know to take more care when looking for somewhere to park. If they check for 'signs and lines', they will have nothing to worry about.